A stunning platter with a golden-brown pan-seared steak resting atop a creamy, sun-kissed polenta cake. The steak is lavishly draped in caramel-hued apple onion gravy, studded with sweet, translucent slices of onion. It's garnished with vibrant sprigs of fresh herbs.

Pan-seared Steak with Caramelized Onion Apple Gravy and Herbed Polenta

Name: Pan-seared Steak with Caramelized Onion Apple Gravy and Herbed Polenta
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 85 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: large onions, 2 thinly sliced and caramelized; Beef steaks, 2 cuts preferably Ribeye or Sirloin; Tart apples, 1 and a 1/2 peeled, cored, and chopped; Polenta, 1 cup, dry; Chicken stock, 1 quart; Garlic cloves, 3 minced; Apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons; Dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon; Dried thyme, 1 teaspoon; Olive oil, 3 tablespoons; Salt and pepper, as required

Category Main Course

Prep 45 minutes

Cook 40 minutes

Style Fusion

Technique Caramelizing

Diet Friendly Low-Carb

Daily Recipe: February 16, 2026

This main course mingles Eastern and Western flavors with a glorious caramelized onion blend acting as star of the show. An Asian-inspired, pan-seared steak meets a tart, onion-infused apple gravy, providing a match made in fusion cuisine heaven. Sealed with a herbed polenta cake, it's a wonderful, savory sensation.

Ingredients (for 2)

Large onions - 2 - thinly sliced and caramelized
Beef steaks - 2 cuts - preferably Ribeye or Sirloin
Tart apples - 1 and a 1/2 - peeled, cored, and chopped
Polenta - 1 cup, dry
Chicken stock - 1 quart
Garlic cloves - 3 - minced
Apple cider vinegar - 2 tablespoons
Dried rosemary - 1 teaspoon
Dried thyme - 1 teaspoon
Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
Salt and pepper - as required

Preparation

Step 1 - 🧅🍳⏲️

Caramelize thinly sliced onions in a skillet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat for about 30 minutes. Set aside when done.
Step 2 - 🌽🍲🌿

Cook the dry polenta with chicken stock according to package instructions till creamy. Stir in rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Keep warm.
Step 3 - 🥩🔥⏳

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over high heat. Season steaks with salt and pepper, then sear each for 3 minutes on each side. Allow the steak to rest.
Step 4 - 🧄🍏🍲

In the same pan, add minced garlic, chopped apples, and cider vinegar. Stir these with the remaining pan juices and let it simmer for 2 minutes. Add the caramelized onions back into the pan and mix together. Let the gravy simmer until thickened.
Step 5 - 🍛🥩🌿

Divide the herbed polenta between two plates, top each with a seared steak and a generous amount of the onion apple gravy. Garnish with additional herbs if desired.

Additional

The key to this recipe is patience, it's all about allowing the onions to slowly caramelize to a deep, sweet perfection and letting the steak rest post-sear for perfectly juicy results. If you prefer a vegetarian option, this dish works well with grilled portobello mushroom caps in lieu of steak. Have your kids help with stirring the gravy or setting the table while the steak is searing!